Keeping your heart healthy

If there is one word that is associated with potentially life threatening health issues it is cholesterol. 

There are numerous TV and print advertisements espousing the benefits of the latest cholesterol reducing drug and for good reasons. 

High levels of this naturally occurring substance are associated with increased risks of heart disease and stroke. Knowing this has caused many people to avoid cholesterol high foods in their attempt to mitigate the harmful effects it can cause.

Happily, maintaining a healthy heart is relatively simple, and it's never too late to start. Do you smoke? If you do, the first step is to quit. 

Even occasional smoking has been proven to be detrimental to the health of your heart. Regular exercise is essential to help maintain weight and keep the heart strong. It is also important to limit fats in the diet particularly animal fats derived from meat and full fat dairy foods.

Oatmeal. Opt for coarse or steel-cut oats over instant varieties, they contain more fiber. Oatmeal is great for breakfast over sugary cereal; it is full of omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and potassium. This fiber-rich superfood can also lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and help keep arteries clear.

Legumes/Beans: One serving of dried beans/legumes a day can reduce cholesterol by up to 10%. The fiber and other compounds present in legumes and beans can lower cholesterol, blood clotting and improve blood-vessel function. These are also a great source of folate, which keeps homocysteine levels (an indicator of heart trouble), in check.